Hazards identification and risk analysis in surface mines of Pakistan using fault tree analysis technique

Abstract

Purpose. Technology has advanced significantly but still mining industry faces a higher number of accidents. The purpose of the research is to identify the common hazards and associated risk which are the root causes of accidents in surface mines of Pakistan and to suggest the preventive measures to enhance safety at workplace. Methods. Integrated approach used in this research work involves: collection of mine accidents data from related Government departments; occupational safety data collection from mine sites with questionnaire; fault tree analysis method applied based on three groups of factors/causes obtained from 3E’s Model i.e. Engineering, Education and Enforcement that causes accidents in mine; risk assessment and suggestion of preventive measures. Findings. In this study forty three root causes of accidents in surface mines are identified and presented as basic events and undeveloped events in the Fault Trees. A compressed picture of the root causes is revealed leading to accidents in mine. The main causes identified are human errors, unsafe operating procedure, lack of machinery, lack of personal protective equipment, environmental and haulage related hazards and violation of law. Originality.The root causes of accidents in surface mines have been identified. For the first time, the visual paths to accidents causation in surface mines of Pakistan are outlined through fault tree analysis technique. Practical implications. The identified causes of accidents along with the suggested preventive measures can be used to avoid/curtail the number and severity of accidents in surface mines and can save lives of workers and economy. Keywords: hazards identification, surface mine, accidents, fault tree analysis, risk assessment, preventive measures

Conceptual Framework for Hazards Management in the Surface Mining Industry—Application of Structural Equation Modeling

“…Compliance with safety regulations enhances workplace safety [23]. Infractions of laws and regulations, as well as a lack of enforcement of the law, are responsible for the higher frequency of mine accidents [24].…”

Substantiating the operating parameters for an underground gas generator as a basic segment of the mining energy-chemical complex

“…Creating domestic, as well as borrowing and applying certain technological solutions from the practice of developed countries, the Ukrainian economy already now should not bear with such negative consequences as environmental pollution [20], a high level of industrial waste [21], the presence of disproportions in the degree and level of mechanization and automation of the main and auxiliary production processes [22][23][24][25], presence of jobs with uncomfortable and dangerous working conditions [26][27][28]. In this regard, scientific-technical solutions for the creation of new progressive technological processes should be of a socially oriented nature, thereby ensuring waste-free or lowwaste technological processes [29][30][31], their integrated mechanization and automation with minimal transport cost [32,33], the elimination of uncomfortable and dangerous jobs, and environmental protection [34,35].…”

Data Mining in Coal-Mine Gas Explosion Accidents Based on Evidence-Based Safety: A Case Study in China

“…Fu et al [19] proposed an action path and analytical steps of accidents based on the 24 model, and applied them to coal-mine gas explosion accidents. Sherin et al [20] obtained 43 root causes of surface mine accidents through fault tree analysis based on the 3E model. These studies can, to some extent, reflect the causes of small-scale accidents, and provide accident prevention measures.…”